wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > HB 1544 > Second Substitute
The department of children, youth, and families shall conduct a study to improve its risks, strengths, and needs assessment tool used in the risk assessment process when investigating alleged child abuse and neglect referrals described in RCW 26.44.030(19) to:
Identify family risks, strengths, cultural strengths, and needs at the time of the initial child protective services investigation or family assessment response to help inform the most appropriate service path for the family;
Identify the risk of harm to a child when substance use disorder is a factor in the case or high potency synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are a condition in the home, that incorporates guidance from the department of health regarding high potency synthetic opioids and child safety;
Identify the risk of harm to a child when domestic violence is a factor in the home;
Determine the culturally appropriate service needs of the family and support caseworkers to identify and transition families to culturally appropriate, available services quickly;
Support reassessment and monitoring of family progress; and
Ensure that the assessment tool incorporates evidence-based practices to address cultural bias.
By November 1, 2026, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, the department of children, youth, and families shall provide data and information to the legislature on the department of children, youth, and families' efforts to improve its risks, strengths, and needs assessment tool based on the study required under subsection (1) of this section, including feedback provided by the office of tribal relations within the department of children, youth, and families.
This section expires August 1, 2027.
(1)(a) When any member of the clergy, practitioner, county coroner or medical examiner, law enforcement officer, professional school personnel, registered or licensed nurse, social service counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, employee of the department of children, youth, and families, licensed or certified child care providers or their employees, employee of the department of social and health services, juvenile probation officer, diversion unit staff, placement and liaison specialist, responsible living skills program staff, HOPE center staff, state family and children's ombuds or any volunteer in the ombuds' office, or host home program has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 26.44.040.